Does your dog bark? Is it the odd woof or a constant barrage of doggy noise? If they’re on watch-dog mode, the endless barking may not be just to your dog protecting their territory. It can be but there are several other reasons for it
Does your dog bark at all the wrong moments?
Ding-dong, ding-dong. “Woof-woof-woof-woof-woof-woof-woof-woof….”
Johnny sighed deeply. Baby Susannah was just about to drop off to sleep and he had been longing for a few minutes respite after an hour of constant grizzling and pacing around consoling her. The gentle music of the bell hadn’t disturbed her, but Dino’s barking had.
With a heavy heart, Johnny picked up the now screeching baby and set off back downstairs. The barking got louder and louder as they descended. “Shut UP, Dino,” snarled Johnny, with no real hope of the dog responding. Indeed, that was the case, and Johnny spent a difficult minute trying to fend Dino away with his leg while keeping hold of screaming Susannah and, with his third hand, opening the door to a now impatient delivery driver.
Poor Johnny. This is a common scenario. Unexpected door knocks and the subsequent fusillade of barking from a dog has been the cause of many a crying baby, spilt drink, or hammering heart.
Dogs offer feelings of protection at home
One of the comforting reasons for owning a dog, apart from furry cuddles, is the feeling of protection that comes from a watch-dog barking when people come. It adds to your feeling of safety, especially if you live alone, as it has been proven to reduce the risk of burglary.
But it can also be an annoying habit, especially if your dog doesn’t shut up after a few barks. There’s nothing worse than struggling to communicate with a visitor through a barrage of doggy noise.
You might think this behaviour is due to your dog protecting their territory. It can be but there are several other reasons for it. Which you need to understand if you want to do anything about it.
Which is why we’re going to be talking about this and similar problems at next Wednesday’s Doggy Doctor Discusses session starting at 7.30pm. There will also be time to ask any other doggy questions you might have.
Our next Doggy Doctor Discusses is free again
This month the session is again open and free to anyone, so put it in your diary now.
After this month, there will be a small charge for each Doggy Doctor Discusses session, though our Devotee members will continue to attend for free.
More on that later.
For now, why not come along next Wednesday? I’d love to see you there.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
